The map above shows the varying agricultural potential of soils in south-central Manitoba, over a distance of approximately 140 km (85 miles), primarily west of Lake Manitoba and south of Riding Mountain National Park. It indicates classes and subclasses, based on characteristics of soil as determined by soil surveys. The mineral soils are grouped into 7 classes and 13 subclasses, according to their potential production of field crops. Organic soils are not a part of the classification and are shown as a single separate unit (0).

Agricultural classification is based on several important factors: 1) The soils will be well managed and cropped, under a largely mechanized system. 2) Land requiring improvements, including clearing, that can be made economically by the farmer, is classed according to its limitations or hazards in use after the improvements have been made. Land requiring improvements beyond the means of the farmer is classed according to its present condition. 3) The following are not considered: distances to marker, kind of roads, location , size of farms, type of ownership, cultural patters, skill or resources of individual operations, and hazard of crop damage by storms. 4) The classification does not include capability of soils for trees, tree fruits, small fruits, ornamental plants, recreation, or wildlife. 5) The classes are based on the intensity, rather than kinds, of their limitations for agriculture. Each class includes many kinds of soil, and many of the soils in any class require unique management and treatment. 6) Land given a capability classification of 6 or 7 will never warrant irrigation since the benefits derived from irrigation would be negligible. For this reason, capability Classes 6 and 7 will always appear in the non-irrigated portion (Classes A to C) of a land unit classification.

Land Capability Class Descriptions for Agriculture